AS Hurricane Maria batters Puerto Rico with the full might of a category 4 storm, here are the latest Warnings and Watches for the region.

New storm watches have been issued in the NHC’s 8am EDT update, which also warns of “life-threatening storm surges and rainfall”, as well as dangerous winds, tornadoes and flooding.

Those lying in the path of the Category 4 storm should “rush to completion” their preparations.

The churning storm is now pushing maximum sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 km/h) with higher gusts, and is pushing forward at a speed of 10 mph (17 km/h).

The NHC said: "Although there has been a slight reduction of intensity, Maria remains an extremely dangerous hurricane.

"Some weakening is likely while the system crosses Puerto Rico.

"Later in the forecast period, less favorable upper-level winds should cause further weakening, but Maria is likely to remain a large and powerful hurricane for the next 5 days."

The presence of dangerous winds and storm surges has prompted widespread safety alerts and concerns for the life of Caribbean islanders.

Below are the latest Hurricane Watches and Warnings in effect for Ouerto Rico and the Caribbean. The NHC strongly encourages everyone in the affected areas to heed warnings from officials and authorities.

US Virgin Islands

British Virgin Islands

Puerto Rico, Culebra, and Vieques

Dominican Republic from Cabo Engano to Puerto Plata

Turks and Caicos Islands and the Southeastern Bahamas

A Hurricane Warning suggests that hurricane conditions are expected to arrive somewhere within the warning area.

The NHC advises all necessary preparations to protect life and property to be rushed to completion.

Saba

St. Maarten

St. Martin and St. Barthelemy

Dominican Republic west of Puerto Plata to the northern border of the Dominican Republic and Haiti